OKLAHOMA CITY – USA Softball announced today the list of athletes invited to participate at the 2018 USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Camp to be held January 1-5, 2018 at Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex in Clearwater, Fla. A total of 61 athletes were invited to attend the Selection Camp with 56 athletes accepting the invitation. Those athletes who accepted the invitation to try out will vie for a spot on the 2018 USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) roster which will compete at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s World Championship in Chiba, Japan August 2-12, 2018, the World Cup of Softball XIII and select invitational events.

During the selection process, athletes will participate in position drills as well as simulated games and be evaluated by the USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Committee (WNTSC). The 2018 USA Softball WNT will look to defend their Gold Medal finish at the 2016 WBSC Women’s World Championship where the team claimed the 10th overall World Championship title for the WNT program. The team finished the 2016 WBSC World Championship with a .436 team batting average, 19 home runs, 80 RBI and outscored opponents 83-10. The pitching staff was lights out, allowing just eight earned runs for a 1.19 ERA.

USA Softball will also hold an open tryout opportunity for players hoping to make the 2018 USA Softball WNT. Held December 31 at Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex in Clearwater, Fla., eligible athletes have from now through October 31 to sign up through USASoftball.com for the open tryout, which will involve a series of softball related skill drills for each position, hitting and bunting. Participants from the open tryout could be selected to participate at the USA Softball WNT Selection Camp along with the list of invited athletes.

For updates on the USA Softball Women’s National Team and events throughout the 2018 season visit www.USASoftball.com.